Reduced profile glasses

ABSTRACT

A pair of reduced profile glasses that pivotally hinge into a stowable position. The glasses do not fold, thereby eliminating doubling the thickness of the glasses, and increasing the required space for stowing. Rather, the glasses compress into a flattened, reduced profile position. A pair of lenses and a pair of frames join at either one or two bilateral locking hinge(s). The locking hinge may pivot at a range of 30 to 40 degrees that is efficacious for preventing the glasses from completely folding. The locking hinge compact into the reduced profile by bending inwardly and abutting against a pair of retracted support arms. The locking hinge includes at least one extending ledges/pins and at least one slits/holes for receiving the ledges/pins. Each ledge/pin engages a slit/hole to lock the glasses into the reduced profile position, or a different slit/hole to lock the glasses into an extended wearable position.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIX

Not applicable.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

One or more embodiments of the invention generally relate to eye glasses. More particularly, one or more embodiments of the invention relate to foldable eye glasses.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.

The following is an example of a specific aspect in the prior art that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon. By way of educational background, another aspect of the prior art generally useful to be aware of is that glasses, also known as eyeglasses or spectacles, are frames bearing lenses worn in front of the eyes. A pair of support arms that rest on the ears, typically support the glasses. Glasses are normally used for vision correction or eye protection. Safety glasses are a kind of eye protection against flying debris or against visible and near visible light or radiation. Sunglasses allow better vision in bright daylight, and may protect the eyes from high levels of ultraviolet light.

Typically, glasses may be stowed by folding them. This creates a double thickness, but reduces the overall area of the glasses. Detachable components of the glasses may provide more stowability also.

In view of the foregoing, it is clear that these traditional techniques are not perfect and leave room for more optimal approaches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 a, 1 b, 1 c illustrate various views of an exemplary low profile glasses with one central hinge, according to an embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 1 a shows a front view thereof, FIG. 1 b illustrates a top view of the low profile glasses in an exemplary open position, and FIG. 1 c illustrates the glasses shown in FIG. 1 b in an exemplary low profile position.

FIGS. 2 a, 2 b, and 2 c illustrate various views of an exemplary low profile glasses with two central hinges, according to an embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 2 a shows a front view thereof, FIG. 2 b illustrates a top view of the low profile glasses in an exemplary low profile position, and FIG. 2 c illustrates the glasses shown in FIG. 2 b in an exemplary open position;

FIGS. 3 a, and 3 b, illustrate two exemplary slits/holes receiving a single ledge/pin, and 3 c illustrate a view of the frames and the slits/holes receiving ledges/pins for locking the low profile glasses into a position, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIGS. 4 a and 4 b illustrate an exemplary 1 slit/hole design receiving two ledges/pins, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 a illustrates an exemplary one slit/hole design, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 b illustrates an exemplary two ledge/pin design, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention are best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein.

Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive.

It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to “a step” or “a means” is a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art, and which may be used instead of or in addition to features already described herein.

Although Claims have been formulated in this Application to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any Claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention.

Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. The Applicants hereby give notice that new Claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present Application or of any further Application derived therefrom.

References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” “various embodiments,” etc., may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an exemplary embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.

As is well known to those skilled in the art many careful considerations and compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimal manufacture of a commercial implementation any system, and in particular, the embodiments of the present invention. A commercial implementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of the present invention may configured according to the needs of the particular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s), result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachings related to any described embodiment of the present invention may be suitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improved and/or optimized by those skilled in the art, using their average skills and known techniques, to achieve the desired implementation that addresses the needs of the particular application.

Those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of and in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, that any of the foregoing steps may be suitably replaced, reordered, removed and additional steps may be inserted depending upon the needs of the particular application. Moreover, the prescribed method steps of the foregoing embodiments may be implemented using any physical and/or hardware system that those skilled in the art will readily know is suitable in light of the foregoing teachings.

FIG. 1 a, 1 b, and 1 c illustrate various views of an exemplary embodiment of a pair of reduced profile glasses 100 with one hinge, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 1 a shows a front view thereof, FIG. 1 b illustrates a top view of the low profile glasses in an exemplary open position, and FIG. 1 c illustrates the glasses shown in FIG lb in an exemplary low profile position. The reduced profile glasses may not fold or detach, thereby eliminating doubling the thickness. Rather, the reduced profile glasses include a pair of lenses 102 and a pair of frames 104 that join at least one locking hinge 106. The locking hinge pivots at a limited angle so that the glasses may compact into a lower profile by bending inwardly and abutting against a pair of support arms 112. When in a low profile position, the reduced profile glasses may store inside limited spaces such as, without limitation, front pockets, suits, labcoats, purses, briefcases, waist packs, and narrow compartments when compacted into the low profile position. When in the wearable position, the reduced reduced profile glasses may provide a snug, aerodynamic fit for protection and reduced wind resistance.

FIGS. 2 a, 2 b, and 2 c illustrate various views of an exemplary low profile glasses with two central hinges, according to an embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 2 a shows a front view thereof, FIG. 2 b illustrates a top view of the low profile glasses in an exemplary low profile position, and FIG. 2 c illustrates the glasses shown in FIG. 2 b in an exemplary open position. The pair of reduced profile glasses may include a pair of separate non-folding, multi-curved frames, with each frame carrying a separate lens, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The pairs of frames 104 and pair of lenses 102 are interconnected by the locking hinge. The reduced profile glasses may not attain complete flattness. However, while in the stowable, low profile position, the frames may still retain some convexical curvature along the lenses. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the curvature in the frames is not a space consuming feature, and may be efficacious for styling and aerodynamic design purposes.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, pair of reduced profile glasses include a pair of separate non-folding, multi-curved frames, with each frame carrying a separate lens, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The pair of frames may carry a pair of lenses that are joined by a locking hinge. The locking hinge secures inside a fitting holes portion 114, located between the pair of frames. The locking hinge may pivot to orient the reduced profile glasses into a low profile position. Suitable ranges for the pivoting include but are not limited to 30 to 40 degrees. However greater or lesser degrees of pivot are possible. The 30 to 40 degree pivot moves the glasses into one of the at least two positions. The locking hinge comprises of 1 or 2 slits/holes 108. The slits/holes are configured to receive 1 or 2 ledges/pins 110 that extend from a frame medial portion 105. Some examples of the slits receiving the ledges are illustrated by way of example in FIGS. 3 a and 3 b, in accordance to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, but not limited to, 1 ledge/pin may engage 2 slits/holes, or 2 ledges/pins may share 1 slit/hole. The engagement between the ledges/pins and the slits/holes may create a locked, low profile position that secures the glasses into one of two positions—an extended wearable position and a retracted low profile position.

In yet another embodiment, pair of frames counters the upper portions of the lenses, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In one exemplary embodiment, the frames may comprise, without limitation, a light, thin plastic composite, a polyacrylate, or similar material that has flexible properties. The pair of support arms may be curved for providing a snug, aerodynamic fit. Suitable fabrication materials for the pair of frames and the pair of support arms may include, without limitation, polyacrylate, plastic synthetics, rubber, silicone, fiberglass, metal alloy, and latex.

In yet another embodiment, the extended wearable position may be achieved by extending the pair of support arms outwardly and bending the locking hinge away from the pair of support arms. A clicking movement may occur between the alternate positions as a result of the engagement between the slits/holes and the ledges/pins. The pair of frames may then form a curvature that may be operable for contouring the glasses in an aerodynamic manner. In a further embodiment, a low profile, stowable position is created by retracting the pair of support arms and positioning the locking hinge into a face-to-face abuttment with the pair of support arms.

An example of pair of lenses that provide both functional and stylistic requirements while still contributing to the compaction of the reduced profile glasses interactive comparison process is illustrated by way of example in FIG. 3 c. The lenses in the reduced profile glasses may be curved sufficiently to contour into a stylish, aerodynamic fit in accordance with the frames. In one alternative embodiment, the pair of lenses may be configured for multiple functions including, without limitation, sun protection, light reduction, prescription, exterior shields, x-ray protection, reading magnification, scientific magnifying capacity, sporting, shooting range protection, fashion, prescription, and the like. In one alternative embodiment, the lenses may incorporate bifocals, loops, and prescription lenses. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of and in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, that the lenses may be utilized for protection, such as, without limitation, clear safety glasses/goggles for use in laboratories, shops, operating rooms, shooting range, and the like. In yet another embodiment, both lenses may be planar, rather than curved, for further reducing the profile. However, the planar configuration may deduct from the aerodynamic and fashion functionality of reduced profile glasses.

In one exemplary embodiment, lenses may have a thickness range including, without limit, 2.9 mm to 11.1 mm for glass lenses and 3.5 to 14.8 mm for plastic lenses. However, greater or lesser thicknesses may be possible. Lenses may also comprise of a refractive index as high, but not limited to, 1.9 for glass lenses, and as high as 1.74 for plastic lenses.

In one exemplary embodiment, locking hinge may include a locking, bilateral hinge that secures pair of glasses into the low profile position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In one alternative embodiment, the locking hinge may pivot in two directions. In a yet another embodiment, there may be two locking hinges adjacently positioned that interconnect the frames and the lenses. The two locking hinges may then be joined, without limitation, by an adhesive, pin, or fastener. In an alternative embodiment, only one locking hinge rests medially. The locking hinge may pivot at a range of 30 to 40 degrees. However greater or lesser ranges of pivoting may exist. The 30 degree pivot is efficacious for preventing the glasses from completely folding, and thereby increasing the thickness. The limited pivot allows the glasses to position into the low profile position, and no more. Suitable fabrication materials for the locking hinge may include, without limitation, polyacrylate, plastic synthetic, rubber, silicone, fiberglass, metal alloy, and latex.

In the present embodiment, pair of frames countering the upper portions of the lenses, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In one exemplary embodiment, the frames may comprise, without limitation, a light, thin plastic composite, a polyacrylate, or similar material that has flexible properties. Pair of support arms may be curved for providing a snug, aerodynamic fit. Suitable fabrication materials for the pair of frames and the pair of support arms may include, without limitation, polyacrylate, plastic synthetics, rubber, silicone, fiberglass, metal alloy, and latex.

FIG. 4 a illustrates an exemplary one slit/hole design, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Locking hinge comprises of one or two slits/holes 108. FIG. 4 b illustrates an exemplary two ledge/pin design, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Slits/holes are configured to receive one or two ledges/pins 110 that extend from a frame medial portion 105. For example, but not limited to, 1 ledge/pin may engage two slits/holes, or two ledges/pins may share one slit/hole. The engagement between ledges/pins and slits/holes creates a locking disposition that secures the glasses into one of two positions—an extended wearable position and a retracted low profile position. Ledges/pins may comprise of a more rigid material to withstand the continuous in and out engagement with the slits/holes.

Those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of and in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, that there may be additional components for locking the glasses into the two positions, including, but not limited to, a pin and hole, a geared wheel with rubber stopper, and 3 or more slits and ledges. The chief function is to securely lock the glass into the low profile position for secure stowing.

In one alternative embodiment, reduced profile glasses compact into a lower profile through the utilization of enhanced flexibility and a composition of a nanomaterial. Pair of frames may be fully bendable to the extent that absolute flatness is achieved. The pair of lenses may include, without limitation, a plastic/synthetic glass that will curve and flatten completely without damaging the integrity of the lenses. The clear plastic glass composition, from which the lenses are comprised, may assume at least two configurations and retain these at least two forms multiple times. The pair of support arms in this embodiment may comprise an articulated coating arm, comprising, without limitations, natural rubber and latex for optimal flexibility. The frames may also comprise a combination of small metal pieces, cable and or plastic/rubber for greater flexibility. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings will appreciate that nanomaterial composition, curing methods, and aerodynamic styling now known or later developed may create greater flexibility and storability for all components in the reduced profile glasses.

All the features or embodiment components disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying abstract and drawings, unless expressly stated otherwise, may be replaced by alternative features or components serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose as known by those skilled in the art to achieve the same, equivalent, suitable, or similar results by such alternative feature(s) or component(s) providing a similar function by virtue of their having known suitable properties for the intended purpose. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent, or suitable, or similar features known or knowable to those skilled in the art without requiring undue experimentation.

Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention, other equivalent or alternative methods of implementing a pair of glasses that pivotally hinge into a low profile stowable position without completely folding, according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Various aspects of the invention have been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. The particular implementation of the hinged compacting of the reduced profile glasses may vary depending upon the particular context or application. By way of example, and not limitation, the hinged compacting of the reduced profile glasses described in the foregoing were principally directed to a limited pivot that creates a low profile glass without fully folding. However, similar techniques may instead be applied to a laptop computer or a suitcase which implementations of the present invention are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention. The invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims. It is to be further understood that not all of the disclosed embodiments in the foregoing specification will necessarily satisfy or achieve each of the objects, advantages, or improvements described in the foregoing specification.

Claim elements and steps herein may have been numbered and/or lettered solely as an aid in readability and understanding. Any such numbering and lettering in itself is not intended to and should not be taken to indicate the ordering of elements and/or steps in the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A pair of reduced profile glasses comprising: a pair of lenses; a pair of frames, said pair of frames being configured to receive said pair of lenses, said pair of frames comprising a frame medial portion; at least one locking hinge, said at least one locking hinge being operable to pivotally hinge, said at least one locking hinge comprising at least one ledge/pin, said at least one locking hinge further comprising at least one slit/hole, said at least one slit/hole configured to receive said at least one ledge/pin; a fitting holes portion, said fitting holes portion being configured to receive said at least one locking hinge; and a pair of support arms, said pair of support arms being operable to extend and retract.
 2. The pair of reduced profile glasses of claim 1, wherein said pair of reduced profile glasses is operable to flatten into a reduced profile position.
 3. The pair of reduced profile glasses of claim 2, wherein said at least one locking hinge is operable to pivotally hinge for flattening said pair of reduced glasses into said reduced profile position.
 4. The pair of reduced profile glasses of claim 3, wherein said at least one locking hinge is operable to hinge about thirty to forty degrees for configuring into said reduced profile position.
 5. The pair of reduced profile glasses of claim 4, wherein said at least one locking hinge is operable to hinge in a multiplicity of directions.
 6. The pair of reduced profile glasses of claim 5, wherein said at least one slit/hole is configured to receive at least one ledge/pin, said at least one ledge/pin being configured to extend from said frame medial portion.
 7. The pair of reduced profile glasses of claim 6, wherein said at least one ledge/pin positions inside said at least one slit/hole for configuring said pair of reduced profile glasses into an extended wearable position, and said at least one ledge/pin positions into a different at least one slit/hole for configuring said pair of reduced profile glasses into said reduced profile position.
 8. The pair of reduced profile glasses of claim 7, wherein said at least one ledge/pin positions inside said at least one slit/hole for configuring said pair of reduced profile glasses into said extended wearable position, and a different said at least one ledge/pin positions into said at least one slit/hole for configuring said pair of reduced profile glasses into said reduced profile position.
 9. The pair of reduced profile glasses of claim 8, in which said at least one locking hinge comprises one locking hinge.
 10. The pair of reduced profile glasses of claim 9, in which said at least one hinge comprises two locking hinges.
 11. The pair of reduced profile glasses of claim 10, wherein said pair of support arms is operable to pivotally hinge into said extended wearable position for providing support to said pair of reduced profile glasses.
 12. The pair of reduced profile glasses of claim 11, wherein said pair of support arms is operable to pivotally hinge into said reduced profile position for stowing said pair of reduced profile glasses.
 13. The pair of reduced profile glasses of claim 12, wherein said pair of support arms is configured to curve.
 14. The pair of reduced profile glasses of claim 13, wherein said pair of frames detach at said frame medial portion.
 15. The pair of reduced profile glasses of claim 14, wherein said pair of lenses is configured to curve sufficiently for contouring against said pair of frames.
 16. The pair of reduced profile glasses of claim 15, wherein said pair of lenses are configured to be transparent.
 17. The pair of reduced profile glasses of claim 16, wherein said pair of lenses are operable to magnify.
 18. The pair of reduced profile glasses of claim 16, wherein said pair of lenses are fabricated from lead for blocking electromagnetic radiation.
 19. A pair of reduced profile glasses comprising: means for pivoting at least one locking hinge into an extended wearable position; means for extending a pair of support arms into the extended wearable position; means for wearing said pair of reduced profile glasses; means for removing said pair of reduced profile glasses; means for pivoting said pair of reduced profile glasses into a reduced profile position; and means for stowing said pair of reduced profile glasses.
 20. A pair of reduced profile glasses consisting of: a pair of lenses, said pair of lenses being configured to be transparent, said pair of lenses further being configured to curve; a pair of frames, said pair of frames being configured to receive said pair of lenses, said pair of frames being configured to curve sufficiently for receiving said pair of lenses, said pair of frames comprising a frame medial portion, said pair of frames being operable to detach at said frame medial portion; at least one locking hinge, said at least one locking hinge being operable to pivotally hinge in a multiplicity of directions, said at least one locking hinge comprising at least one ledge/pin, said at least one locking hinge further comprising at least one slit/hole, said at least one slit configured to receive said at least one ledge/pin; a fitting holes portion, said fitting holes portion being configured to receive said at least one locking hinge; and a pair of support arms, said pair of support arms being operable to pivotally hinge into an extended wearable position for providing support to said pair of reduced profile glasses, said pair of support arms being further operable to pivotally hinge into a reduced profile position for stowing said pair of reduced profile glasses. 